ECCP at Work

PIDS study: PH ranks last in ASEAN for transport infrastructure
A 98-page research paper published by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) on the state of the country’s road and rail transport infrastructure found what many already know to be true: “the Philippines continues to suffer from inadequate and poor quality road and rail transport infrastructure.”

Infrastructure shortfalls hurt PHL competitiveness
Delays in infrastructure project implementation are weakening the Philippines’ competitiveness in Southeast Asia, despite having promising initiatives and strong human capital, experts warned.

World Bank sees weak Philippines growth until 2027
With Philippine economic growth expected to fall below target this year until 2027, the World Bank is urging the country to double down efforts to pursue reforms aimed at improving the business environment and rebuilding fiscal space to safeguard and achieve faster growth.

Tourism contributes 8.9% to Philippine GDP in 2024
The share of the tourism industry in the Philippine economy rose to a five-year high of 8.9% in 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Thursday. Tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA) — an indicator of the economic contribution from tourism-related activities — jumped by 11.2% year on year to P2.35 trillion last year, preliminary data from the PSA showed.

Marcos orders oil contingencies
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered agencies to prepare for potential spikes in global oil prices amid worsening tensions in the Middle East, a major oil-producing region, the presidential palace said on Tuesday.

Philippine exit from list of ‘risky’ markets seen raising investor interest
The Philippines will likely become a “more attractive hub” for investors following its removal from the European Commission’s list of jurisdictions where there is a “high risk” of financial crimes, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

New ecozones to bring in P3.2 billion in investments
Newly approved economic zones (ecozones) are expected to generate P3.2 billion in investments, according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). These ecozones are expected to facilitate growth and development in the countryside, attract new locators, generate more jobs for Filipinos, and contribute to accelerating the nation’s socio economic progress.

PHL wheat import forecast downgraded 3%
The forecast for Philippine wheat imports has been downgraded 3% to 7.2 million metric tons (MMT), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said, citing weaker demand from the animal feed industry.

BIR collects P4 billion after crackdown on fake receipts
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it generated more than P4 billion in the first quarter from its Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) Program.

Philippines to adopt OECD cryptocurrency tax framework
The Philippines has committed to fully adopt the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) by 2028 to curb cross-border tax evasion and illicit financial flows.

PSE unit to return ‘intact’ shares of Equitiworld to clients
The market regulation arm of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). approval, will return certain "intact" shares to clients of Equitiworld Securities Inc., following findings that some of the embattled broker’s assets are unaffected by ongoing investigations.

Gov’t orders DOE to ensure sufficient oil supply
The Department of Energy (DOE) appealed to oil industry players to implement staggered fuel price adjustments to avoid unduly burdening the public as it also announced that it is preparing subsidies for sectors affected by rising global oil prices due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

Lepanto mining rides soaring gold prices
Net earnings of listed mining firm Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. soared by as much as 4,000 percent to P659 million in January to May this year from a year ago, driven by higher production and gold prices.

DOLE eyes expanding P20/kilo rice program
After the rollout of the P20-per-kilo rice program for minimum wage earners, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is now looking to expand the program to cover up to 500,000 minimum wage earners nationwide by the end of the year.

Philippines bond market recovers in Q1 – ADB
The Philippine bond market rebounded in Q1 2025 with a 4.1% growth to ₱13.5 trillion, driven by increased government issuances and a surge in central bank securities; meanwhile, sustainable bonds rose 20.6% though the market remains one of the smallest in emerging East Asia.

Agribank formed through rural bank consolidation
Agribusiness Banking Corp. (Agribank) began operations on June 16 following the BSP-approved consolidation of four rural banks, part of the central bank’s ongoing push to strengthen and stabilize the rural banking sector through mergers.

Philippines bond market recovers in Q1 – ADB
The Philippine bond market bounced back in the first quarter, rising by over four percent, supported by an increase in government issuances, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Incoming lawmakers urged to focus on economic measures
The incoming 20th Congress should prioritize legislation that would boost economic growth and enforce fiscal discipline to curb rising debt, while laying the foundation for long-term economic stability, economists and business groups said.

Vehicle sales dip in May
Philippine Automotive Sales slipped by 1.2% in May to 39,775, amid a double-digit drop in sales of passenger cars, an industry report showed. A joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed new vehicle sales fell to 39,775 units in May from 40,271 units in the same month a year ago.

DTI launches supply chain, logistics center to support MSMEs
The country’s largest logistics firms committed to offer discounted rates on their services for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This was as part of a new private-public sector initiative led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).